A&E suspends 'Duck Dynasty' star over remarks on homosexuality

The show's August premiere brought in 11.8 million viewers. (Source: A&E/MGN Online)

(RNN) - A&E Television has suspended Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson, according to a statement from the network obtained by several media outlets.

The suspension comes after a profile piece appeared in GQ in which Robertson told the magazine that he does not support homosexuality, calling it illogical and a sin.

"[A woman has] more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

Robertson went on to say "Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong. Sin becomes fine."

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men," he told the magazine before paraphrasing a portion of 1 Corinthians 6 from the Bible.

"Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won't inherit the kingdom of God. Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."

A&E said Robertson is "under hiatus from filming indefinitely."

"We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson's comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty," a statement from the network read.

Robertson responded to his suspension by releasing a statement on Wednesday night, according to CNN.

"I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me," he said. "We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity."

GLAAD, a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy group, also released a statement saying "By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value."

Meanwhile, fans of the show flocked to A&E's Facebook page threatening a boycott of the network until Robertson is reinstated.

"Agree or disagree with what Phil said, he had the right to say it. I'm disappointed with A&E. The only message A&E has sent by suspending Phil is that you have no right to your own opinion," wrote one poster.

Another wrote, "While I do not agree with every single aspect of his beliefs, he is guaranteed the right to them, and to speak of them, in any way he sees fit."

The show is the No. 1 reality show in cable. The August season premiere brought in 11.8 million viewers, according to A&E.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal issued a statement Thursday morning in support of Phil Robertson, following his suspension from the A&E show ‘Duck Dynasty' due to comments the star made in an interview. "Phil RobertsonMore >>

"It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended," Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said in a written release.More >>